Geekzone Rugby (Union) Discussion Thread

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#1403859 11-Oct-2015 14:33

I've been saying a lot about impact of referees. Well just read an article saying the ABs are as prepared as they can, even against poor refereeing calls. Good on them. Apparently Crockett and Faumuina to start as props.

What we haven't seen is the ABs playing percentage rugby. Kicking for territory. Maybe that's what they've been "hiding" from everyone? Man I can't wait till next weekend - SA Wales that is.

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networkn

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#1404012 11-Oct-2015 21:20

Dingbatt: Just finished watching the replay of Samoa/Scotland. What an entertaining game! For a game that didn't really matter to me, I really enjoyed it. What RWC should be all about.

Third best game and for sheer entertainment, unbelievable! Samoa played like I've never seen them before. The rest of the tournament, they were terrible, this was one of the best displays I've seen, really outstanding!

They have every reason to be heartbroken at that ending, and Scotland will be really proud. Greig Laidlaw what a fantastic player. Also the Scottish Winger on for his 100th test for Scotland, only the second man in Scottish Rugby History to do it. The first was the commentator who was beside Tony Johnson.

DizzyD

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#1404094 12-Oct-2015 08:38

So now we face France. Oh crap!!!

clevedon

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#1404101 12-Oct-2015 08:56

On watching France's display this morning, I'm not worried at all. First real time they have been tested this RWC and they looked disorganized and really didn't even threaten the Irish line. I don't look back at 2007 with any thought of apprehension for this weekend at all - that's history to me.

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#1404110 12-Oct-2015 09:33

clevedon: On watching France's display this morning, I'm not worried at all. First real time they have been tested this RWC and they looked disorganized and really didn't even threaten the Irish line. I don't look back at 2007 with any thought of apprehension for this weekend at all - that's history to me.

The problem is that a different French team can turn up each week. They play differently in big games against the AB's. I have seen them play each game and there have been some they looked VERY good, and others they have looked pretty average.

I don't think they will beat us, this time around. We are a different team, with a different mindset.

Looks like we will get Joubert or Owens as referee. I can't see World Rugby thinking it would be reasonable to put Barnes in, though I am not too worried if he does end up the referee.

My bigger fear is that we get past France and with the relief, take our foot off the throttle in preparation and get beaten the week after.

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#1404127 12-Oct-2015 09:45

clevedon: On watching France's display this morning, I'm not worried at all. First real time they have been tested this RWC and they looked disorganized and really didn't even threaten the Irish line. I don't look back at 2007 with any thought of apprehension for this weekend at all - that's history to me.

Sounds awfully familiar.

Going back to 2007. At this stage in the tournament
France: Played 4, Won 3, 3 Bonus Points, 15 Points total.
NZ: Played 4, Won 4, 4 Bonus Points, 20 Points total.

2015:
France: Played 4, Won 3, 2 Bonus Points, 14 Points total.
NZ: Played 4, Won 4, 3 Bonus Points, 19 Points total.

2011 France played their worse, yet they made the final and we won by one crucial point.

Hate to say it but lets not underestimate this chameleon. Anything can happen Saturday.

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#1404130 12-Oct-2015 09:46

I can't wait to see what happens :) but every QF looks just about as exciting

clevedon

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#1404134 12-Oct-2015 09:54

networkn:We are a different team, with a different mindset.

This.

The rest is history.

trig42

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#1404138 12-Oct-2015 10:07

I haven't watched the IREvFRA game yet - those of you who did, what chance do you give Argentina against the Irish? The extra days off (and for the ABs too) may make a difference as well.

As for the ABs game v Tonga. In my view, the All Blacks came out in the second half playing their 'top' game. Play for territory, keep possession, release the backs when ready. DC had a good game, and the ABs look so much better when he attacks the line.

SBW and Barrett were great off the bench also. Hopefully the squad is in their Happy Place, and the pieces of the jigsaw are coming together.

AUvWAL - Awesome defence by Australia, inept attack form Wales - no excuse for not getting points there. I think their Halfback to take the blame there. I still think they have a chance to knock SA over, but it will be hard.

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#1404141 12-Oct-2015 10:13

trig42: I haven't watched the IREvFRA game yet - those of you who did, what chance do you give Argentina against the Irish? The extra days off (and for the ABs too) may make a difference as well.

As for the ABs game v Tonga. In my view, the All Blacks came out in the second half playing their 'top' game. Play for territory, keep possession, release the backs when ready. DC had a good game, and the ABs look so much better when he attacks the line. SBW and Barrett were great off the bench also. Hopefully the squad is in their Happy Place, and the pieces of the jigsaw are coming together.

AUvWAL - Awesome defence by Australia, inept attack form Wales - no excuse for not getting points there. I think their Halfback to take the blame there. I still think they have a chance to knock SA over, but it will be hard.

Interestingly, I don't think that was their "top" game. Maybe 75-80%. I think potentially they have a LOT left.

Ireland are going to be without Sexton with Injury, O'Brien will go for the rest of the tournament for punching, and O'Connell too with Injury.

That will be a road too far for them unfortunately.

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#1404148 12-Oct-2015 10:33

Agreed, I think the ABs have more in them, but their plan changed at half time I think.

I'm picking Argentina this weekend, potentially all southern hemisphere SFs anyone?

MikeAqua

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#1404151 12-Oct-2015 10:37

We shouldn't underestimate France.

Until today they had been tracking along similarly to the ABs - when they have flipped the switch to "A-game", they have been very effective.

They lift themselves for the big games.

That said, so do the ABs ...

I'm expecting a tough game which the ABs will win.

Mike

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#1404170 12-Oct-2015 10:38

networkn:
trig42: I haven't watched the IREvFRA game yet - those of you who did, what chance do you give Argentina against the Irish? The extra days off (and for the ABs too) may make a difference as well.

As for the ABs game v Tonga. In my view, the All Blacks came out in the second half playing their 'top' game. Play for territory, keep possession, release the backs when ready. DC had a good game, and the ABs look so much better when he attacks the line. SBW and Barrett were great off the bench also. Hopefully the squad is in their Happy Place, and the pieces of the jigsaw are coming together.

AUvWAL - Awesome defence by Australia, inept attack form Wales - no excuse for not getting points there. I think their Halfback to take the blame there. I still think they have a chance to knock SA over, but it will be hard.

Interestingly, I don't think that was their "top" game. Maybe 75-80%. I think potentially they have a LOT left.

Ireland are going to be without Sexton with Injury, O'Brien will go for the rest of the tournament for punching, and O'Connell too with Injury.

That will be a road too far for them unfortunately.

In their pre match news conference the French said they didn't want to face Argentina. If anyone takes anything out of that pool decider they will be fooled. Of course that ain't mean France have beaten the ABs. That's why we play the match.

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#1404171 12-Oct-2015 10:39

joker97:
networkn:
trig42: I haven't watched the IREvFRA game yet - those of you who did, what chance do you give Argentina against the Irish? The extra days off (and for the ABs too) may make a difference as well.

As for the ABs game v Tonga. In my view, the All Blacks came out in the second half playing their 'top' game. Play for territory, keep possession, release the backs when ready. DC had a good game, and the ABs look so much better when he attacks the line. SBW and Barrett were great off the bench also. Hopefully the squad is in their Happy Place, and the pieces of the jigsaw are coming together.

AUvWAL - Awesome defence by Australia, inept attack form Wales - no excuse for not getting points there. I think their Halfback to take the blame there. I still think they have a chance to knock SA over, but it will be hard.

Interestingly, I don't think that was their "top" game. Maybe 75-80%. I think potentially they have a LOT left.

Ireland are going to be without Sexton with Injury, O'Brien will go for the rest of the tournament for punching, and O'Connell too with Injury.

That will be a road too far for them unfortunately.

In their pre match news conference the French said they didn't want to face Argentina.

There would be more biting, groin grabbing, punching, kicking and tears than an episode of Shortland Street.

I watched 7 Days of Sport last night, I laughed so hard, it's VERY funny. Recommend it.

blair003

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#1404201 12-Oct-2015 11:09

trig42: I haven't watched the IREvFRA game yet - those of you who did, what chance do you give Argentina against the Irish? The extra days off (and for the ABs too) may make a difference as well.

As for the ABs game v Tonga. In my view, the All Blacks came out in the second half playing their 'top' game. Play for territory, keep possession, release the backs when ready. DC had a good game, and the ABs look so much better when he attacks the line. SBW and Barrett were great off the bench also. Hopefully the squad is in their Happy Place, and the pieces of the jigsaw are coming together.

AUvWAL - Awesome defence by Australia, inept attack form Wales - no excuse for not getting points there. I think their Halfback to take the blame there. I still think they have a chance to knock SA over, but it will be hard.

Also don't underestimate the impact Brodie Retallick had in the second half. It may not be pretty like SBW and Barrett, but his work rate in the tight hitting and cleaning out rucks was very noticeable when we decided to go up the guts starting early in the second half. We will need that if we are going to win the big/tight games.

Someone earlier in the thread said Woodcock was past it. I think we will miss him dearly at scrum time in the big games coming up.. he is actually a very big loss especially when you consider the strength of the other scrums including the resurgence of the aussie scrum.

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